Adjustable arch support assembly

ABSTRACT

An adjustable arch support assembly having a position fixing member configured to be fixed to a shoe insole, the position fixing member having a plurality of retaining features positioned at different locations along the position fixing member. Also included is a movable arch support having a main body configured to support an arch region of a foot, and a coupling member provided on the main body and configured to couple the main body to the position fixing member. The coupling member has at least one engagement feature configured to engage different ones of the retaining features such that the movable arch support is fixed in different positions relative to the position fixing member based on the retaining feature engaged by the engagement feature.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to and claims priority to U.S. ProvisionalApplication Ser. No. 60/709,792, filed on Aug. 22, 2005, the entirecontent of which is incorporated herein by reference. This applicationis related to Attorney Docket No. 275483US, U.S. application Ser. No.11/365,685, titled METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING A CUSTOMIZED SHOE,Attorney Docket No. 275485US, U.S. application Ser. No. 11/365,612,titled METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING CUSTOMIZED FOOTWEAR TO A RETAILCONSUMER, and Attorney Docket No. 275487US, U.S. application Ser. No.11/365,613, titled METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IDENTIFYING A KIT OF FOOTWEARCOMPONENTS USED TO PROVIDE CUSTOMIZED FOOTWEAR TO A CONSUMER, each filedon even date herewith. The entire content of each of these applicationsis hereby incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to footwear products, and morespecifically to an adjustable arch support assembly for a shoe insole.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Discussion of Background

The past several decades have seen commoditization of the footwearindustry. Indeed, economies of scale in mass manufacturing anddistribution has brought the price of footwear down to such an extentthat nearly all customers are conditioned to forgo their individualneeds and settle for standardized—off the shelf—but extremely affordablefootwear products. However, the uniqueness of individual customers stillremains, and recent indicators of a move toward customization arepresent in the footwear industry.

For example, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/365,614, assigned toFILA Luxembourg S.A.R.L., discloses a method and system for providing acustomized shoe from a plurality of discrete shoe components. Forexample, the system can include a plurality of shoe cavity units madefrom a shoe upper connected to a sole assembly, a plurality ofinterchangeable insoles for inserting into the cavity unit, and aplurality of interchangeable arch supports for attaching to the insoleprior to inserting into the cavity unit. Each plurality of footwearcomponents includes components having the same function, but differentphysical characteristics. Thus, each component can be individuallyselected to match a characteristic of the wearer, and then assembled toprovide a customized shoe for the wearer.

While the above system provides a degree of customization, the presentinventor has recognized that simply interchanging footwear componentsmay not meet the degree of customization desired by consumers. Further,the above system can require retailers to stock a large number ofindividual components, resulting in complex and expensive issues ofproduct forecasting, inventory control, auto-replenishment systems andproduct design, which can result in greater cost to the consumer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to address the abovedescribed and/or other problems in the footwear industry.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a footwearcomponent that can be adjusted to provide a degree of customizationwithout the need to replace the component with another component havingdifferent physical attributes.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an adjustable archsupport assembly that allows positioning of a single arch supportcomponent in various positions on an insole.

These and other objects are achieved by providing an adjustable archsupport assembly having a position fixing member configured to be fixedto a shoe insole, the position fixing member having a plurality ofretaining features positioned at different locations along the positionfixing member. Also included is a movable arch support having a mainbody configured to support an arch region of a foot, and a couplingmember provided on the main body and configured to couple the main bodyto the position fixing member. The coupling member has at least oneengagement feature configured to engage different ones of the retainingfeatures such that the movable arch support is fixed in differentpositions relative to the position fixing member based on the retainingfeature engaged by the engagement feature.

Another aspect of the invention includes an adjustable insole assemblyhaving an insole with a first side configured to be in contact with awearer's foot, and a second side having an arch support region recessedtherein. A position fixing member is fixed to the arch support region,the position fixing member having a plurality of retaining featurespositioned at different locations along the position fixing member. Amovable arch support includes a main body configured to support an archregion of a foot, and a coupling member provided on the main body andconfigured to couple the main body to the position fixing member. Thecoupling member has at least one engagement feature configured to engagedifferent ones of the retaining features such that the movable archsupport is fixed in different positions relative to the position fixingmember based on the retaining feature engaged by the engagement feature.

Still another aspect of the invention includes an adjustable archsupport assembly having a position fixing member configured to be fixedto a shoe insole, a movable arch support, and means for coupling themovable arch support to the position fixing member such that the movablearch support can be moved to discrete positions relative to the positionfixing member.

As should be apparent, the invention can provide a number ofadvantageous features and benefits. It is to be understood that, inpracticing the invention, an embodiment can be constructed to includeone or more features or benefits of embodiments disclosed herein, butnot others. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the preferredembodiments discussed herein are provided as examples and are not to beconstrued as limiting, particularly since embodiments can be formed topractice the invention that do not include each of the features of thedisclosed examples.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete appreciation of the invention and many of the attendantadvantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes betterunderstood by reference to the following detailed description whenconsidered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a custom shoe in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view showing an insole having rigid expansioncomponents in relation to an adaptable sole assembly in accordance withan embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 shows an insole and sole assembly in relation to a plurality offootwear components that can be assembled into a custom shoe inaccordance with an embodiment with the present invention;

FIGS. 4 a-4 c show a plurality of pre-manufactured arch supports 1210,1220 and 1230 that may be used to provide a custom shoe in accordancewith the present invention;

FIG. 5 a provides a schematic illustration of an adjustable arch supportassembly in a rear position in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 5 b provides a schematic illustration of an adjustable arch supportassembly in a neutral position in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 5 c provides a schematic illustration of an adjustable arch supportassembly in a froward position in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 6 a shows a position fixing member in accordance with an embodimentof the present invention, and FIG. 6 b shows a cross section view of theembodiment of FIG. 6 a;

FIG. 7 a shows a movable arch support in accordance with an embodimentof the present invention, and FIG. 7 b shows a side view of theembodiment of FIG. 7 a; and

FIG. 8 a shows a movable arch support in relation to a position fixingmember in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, andFIG. 8 b shows a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 8 a.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designateidentical or corresponding parts throughout the several views, FIG. 1 isan illustration of a custom shoe in accordance with one embodiment ofthe present invention. As seen in this figure, the shoe includes a shell10 and an insole 30. The shell 10 includes an upper portion 100 and asole assembly 200 that are joined to one another to form a shell cavityinto which the insole 30 is placed, as depicted by the arrow in FIG. 1.The upper portion 100 includes a plurality of segments that arepreferably made of durable sheets of non-elastic material such asleather, canvas, synthetic material, and are joined together to form theupper portion 100 as an integral unit. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, thesegment 113 connected between segments 103 and 105 is made of an elasticmaterial such as a nylon mesh or any known flexible fabric such that thesegments 103 and 105 can separate from one another to allow expansionand adaptability of the upper portion 100 when a foot is placed into theshoe. The sole assembly 200 is also preferably expandable, as will bediscussed further below. Details of an expandable upper and soleassembly are discussed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/365,614,which is incorporated herein by reference.

The insole 30 includes main member 305, expansion member 310, and archsupport 320. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the main member 305 includesrecesses 315 and 325 configured to receive expansion member 310 and archsupport 320 respectively. The expansion member 310 and arch support 320are shown fixed to their respective recesses, but these components maybe separable from the shoe. The expansion member 310 and/or arch support320 are preferably made of a rigid material that bends with the wearer'splantar region while the shoe is in use, but maintains length and widthdimensions within the shoe cavity. In one embodiment rigid components,such as the expansion member 310 or arch support 320 of the insole 30,are used to expand width and/or length of a sole assembly in order toadapt the sole assembly to a particular wearer.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view showing an insole having rigid expansioncomponents in relation to an adaptable sole assembly. In FIG. 2, theupper portion of the shoe is omitted for clarity. In the embodiment ofFIG. 2, the expansion member 310 and arch support 320 are separable fromthe main member 305. Specifically the expansion member 310 fits withinrecess 315 and may be held therein by friction fit or adhesion, forexample, although adhesion may permanently fix the expansion member 310within the recess and prevent this component from being replaced. Thearch support 320 includes an attachment aperture 323 that engages a tab327 mounted within the recess 325 of the main portion 305. The aperture323 and tab 327 allow the arch support 320 to be attached and detachedfrom the main portion 305. As shown in FIG. 2, the expansion member 310and arch support 325 extend across a full width of the insole 30 suchthat at least a portion of a side edge of these components provides anoutward expansion force on the sole assembly 200.

The sole assembly 200 includes outer sole portion 201 implemented astread patterns mounted on a ground facing surface of the middle soleportion 203. The tread portions are configured to allow the soleassembly to grip the ground when the shoe is in use. As also seen inFIG. 2, the sole assembly 200 includes a first sole segment 220 and asecond sole segment 230 joined to one another by a deformable member225. The deformable member 225 allows the first and second sole segments220 and 230 to move away from one another and expand the sole assembly200 when an expansion force is applied to the sole assembly. Deformablemember 235 similarly joins segments 230 and 240. As noted, the expansionforce may be provided by a rigid member, such as the expansion member310 and/or arch support 320 provided within the shoe. However, expansionmay also be provided by the wearer's foot based on a size of the foot,or based on forces exerted on the insole during activities such asrunning or tennis. The present inventors have recognized that a line ofthe deformable member can be contoured to optimize the expansionproperties to a particular characteristic of the wearer, such as thesport in which the shoe will be used. Details of different contours aredisclosed in application Ser. No. 11/365,614, which is incorporatedherein by reference.

As discussed above, an insole may include footwear components such as anexpansion member and arch support that allow length and widthadaptability of a sole assembly in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention. In accordance with one aspect of the presentinvention, a plurality of footwear components can be combined to providea shoe customized for a particular person. FIG. 3 shows an insole andsole assembly in relation to a plurality of footwear components that canbe assembled into a custom shoe in accordance with an embodiment withthe present invention. As seen in FIG. 3, the insole 700 includes a mainpart 700 having a top surface that includes a recess 360 foraccommodating a toe crest 365 and a recess 350 for accommodating ametatarsal head shelf 355. In addition to these top surface components,insole 700 includes a metatarsal rise 340, arch support 350, heel insert330 and heel clip 380 formed on a bottom surface of main part 705.Details of the use of these components to provide a customized shoe aredisclosed in application Ser. No. 11/365,614, which is incorporatedherein by reference.

Arch support 350 includes an aperture 351 that mates with tab 353 toattach the arch support 350 to the main part 705 of insole 700. Unlikethe arch support 320 of FIGS. 1 and 2, the arch support 350 does notextend a full width of the insole 700 and therefore is not designed toexpand the sole assembly as previously discussed. However, as with thearch support 320, the arch support 350 supports the longitudinal arch ofthe planter region to assist in reducing pronation of the foot onimpact, and improves propulsion by selectively increasing arch heightwhile acting to support the metatarsal joints and first ray during themidstance and propulsive phases of gait. As with arch support 320,proper selection of support 350 can result in less arch pain, longerstanding, running and less injuries. In one embodiment of the presentinvention a size, shape, positioning and firmness of the arch supports320 and 350 is selected in accordance with the characteristic of thewearer.

Footwear components may also be attachable to the sole assembly 200. Inthe embodiment of FIG. 3, a front tread segment 270 attaches to a treadarea 250 of the sole assembly 200, while a rear tread segment 275attaches to a tread region 260 of the sole assembly 200. Further, theinsole may have biomechanically placed variable durometer hardnessportions in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Inaccordance with one embodiment of the invention, portions of the insolecan be configured to adapt to the wearer's foot. PCT Application No.PCT/IT2005/000071 filed on Feb. 14, 2005 and titled “SHOE HAVING ANINNER ADAPTABLE SURFACE ON WHICH THE WEARER'S FOOT RESTS” is herebyincorporated herein by reference and discloses an adaptable insole whichmay be used in accordance with the present invention.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, footwear componentsare associated with a characteristic of the wearer, and the footwearcomponents are combined to provide a custom shoe for the wearer. In oneaspect of the present invention, at least one of the footwear componentsis selected from a plurality of pre-manufactured footwear componentshaving substantially the same function, but having different physicalattributes to accommodate different foot configurations. FIGS. 4 a-4 cshow a plurality of pre-manufactured arch supports 1210, 1220 and 1230that may be used to provide a custom shoe in accordance with the presentinvention. In one embodiment of the present invention, the arch supports1210, 1220 and 1230 are made of plastic to provide a rigid structurethat functions to support the longitudinal arch of a foot. As seen inthe figures, each of the arch supports 1210, 1220 and 1230 include anaperture 1250 that is used to attach the arch support to an insole.Thus, the aperture 1250 allows the arch supports 1210, 1220 and 1230 tobe interchangeable with one another on a particular insole. It isunderstood that the aperture 1250 is not necessary to provideinterchangeability, and other mechanisms may be used, including simplyproviding a common mating surface among arches, which is configured tomate with a surface of the insole. In a preferred embodiment, each archis capable of being used for a left or right insole. For example, thearch 1210 may accommodate a left insole when oriented as shown in FIG. 4a, but also can accommodate a right insole when oriented in a differentdirection. Other interchangeable footwear components may also bedesigned to accommodate a left or right insole.

Although the arch supports are interchangeable and provide substantiallythe same function, the arch supports 1210, 1220 and 1230 have differentphysical attributes that accommodate different characteristics of afoot. As seen in FIGS. 4 a, 4 b an 4 c, for example, arch support 1210has an arch height H1 while arch support 1220 has a height H2<H1. Thus,the arch supports 1210 and 1220 are designed to accommodate differentlongitudinal arches of a foot. However, the arch supports 1210 and 1220each have a thickness T1, which provides substantially the sameflexibility characteristics for these arches. As seen in FIG. 4 c, thearch support 1230, includes an arch height H1 the same as the archsupport 1210, but has a thickness T2>T1 thereby providing a lessflexible arch support. Thus, arch support 1210 is designed toaccommodate a foot requiring a more flexible support, such as that of anolder individual.

While different physical attributes of a footwear component can providea degree of customization as discussed above, the present inventor hasrecognized that position adjustment of a footwear component relative tothe shoe can provide further customization. For example, the location ofa longitudinal arch relative to the toe and heel of a foot can varyamong feet that otherwise have the same arch characteristics such asheight, length etc. Further, the desired position of the arch supportmay be different for feet having different medial arch lengths. Thus,the present inventor has discovered that adjustment of the same archsupport to different positions in the shoe can provide improvedcustomization to accommodate the arch location of the wearer's foot.Further, adjustment of the same arch support to different positions inthe shoe may accommodate the preference of the wearer without the needto change to an arch support with different physical characteristics.Thus, the ability to adjust the position of the arch support in the shoemay lead to a reduction in the number of different types of archsupports needed to provide the degree of customization desired byconsumers.

FIG. 5 a provides a schematic illustration of an adjustable arch supportassembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Asseen in this figure, the adjustable arch support assembly 500 isattached to the plantar side of insole 580 within an arch supportassembly region 590 of the insole. However, this is not necessary forthe present invention.

The adjustable arch support assembly 500 includes a position fixingmember 510 that is configured to be fixed to region 590 of the insole,and a movable arch support 520 that is movably coupled to the positionfixing member 510. In FIGS. 5 a-5 c, the position fixing member 510 isshown schematically as a rectangular shaped tab that is fixed to thearch region 590 of the insole 580. The coupling member 530 is also shownschematically as a rectangular aperture within the movable arch support520 that can be coupled to the position fixing member 510. However, anyshape and configuration of the position fixing member 530 and movablearch support 520 may be used to allow relative movement of these partswhen coupled to one another. For example, the position fixing member 510may be implemented as a recess or aperture in the insole 580, and thecoupling member 530 of the movable arch support 520 may be implementedas a tab or protrusion for moving within the recess or aperture. Theposition fixing member 510 may be integrally formed with the insole 580,or may be a separate part that is attached to the insole 600 by adhesiveor other means. Details of a movable arch support and position fixingmember according to one embodiment will be discussed below.

As seen in FIG. 5 a, the movable arch support 520 is provided in a rearposition in the region 590 relatively close to the heel of the insole580. Thus, the position fixing member 510 is located in a front portionof the coupling member 530. FIG. 5 b shows the same arch support 520located in a neutral position in a middle region of the arch region 590,with the position fixing member located in a middle portion of thecoupling member 530. Finally, FIG. 5 c shows the arch support 500located in a forward position in the region 590 relatively close to thetoe of the insole 580, with the position fixing member 510 in a rearportion of the coupling member 530. Thus, in the embodiment of FIGS. 5a, 5 b and 5 c, the movable arch support 520 can occupy three discretepositions relative to the insole 580 in accordance with the wearer'sneeds and/or preferences. While FIGS. 5 a, 5 b and 5 c show only threepositions of the movable arch support, as would be appreciated by one ofordinary skill in the art, any number of positions (2 or more) may beprovided. In this regard, the position fixing member 510 and/or thecoupling member 530 can preferably have a mechanism for retaining themovable arch support in the desired position such that it does not moveduring wearer use. Details of this feature will be discussed below withrespect to FIGS. 6-8.

FIG. 6 a shows a position fixing member in accordance with an embodimentof the present invention, and FIG. 6 b shows a cross section view of theembodiment of FIG. 6 a. As seen in these figures, the position fixingmember 600 includes a base 610 and a protrusion 620. The base 610 isconfigured to be attached to an insole by adhesion, molding or any othersuitable means for fixing the base. In the embodiment of FIGS. 6 a and 6b, the protrusion 620 protrudes approximately normal to the surface ofthe base 610, however other configurations may be used. As best seen inFIG. 6 b, the protrusion includes a flange 630 for holding the positionfixing member 600 in a movable coupling relation with the movable archsupport. Further, the position fixing member 600 includes three recesses640 for retaining the movable arch support in different locations alongthe protrusion 620 of the position fixing member 610. While not shown inFIG. 6 a or 6 b, a second flange may be provided on the side of recesses640 to assist in maintaining coupling between the position fixing member600 and a movable arch support 700.

FIG. 7 a shows a movable arch support in accordance with an embodimentof the present invention, and FIG. 7 b shows a side view of theembodiment of FIG. 7 a. As seen in these figures, the movable archsupport 700 includes a main body 710, and a coupling member 720 formedin the main body 710. As best seen in FIG. 7 b, the main body 710 isconfigured to support an arch region of a foot, and is preferably madeof a rigid but flexible material for this purpose. The main body may beshaped as the rigid expansion member arch support configured to expandthe sole assembly as discussed in relation to FIG. 1, or as an archsupport such as that shown in FIG. 3. Other shapes of the main body maybe used.

The aperture 720 is sized and shaped to be coupled to the protrusion 620of the position fixing member 600 of FIG. 6. Thus, the aperture 720 issized slightly smaller that the retaining flange 630, but larger thatthe remaining portion of the protrusion 620 such that the aperture cansnap over the retaining flange 630 and be movably retained thereby.Further, in the embodiment of FIGS. 6 and 7, the protrusion 620 and theaperture 720 are slightly curved to facilitate positioning of themovable arch support 700 relative to the position fixing member 600 (andrelative to the insole). Thus, the movable arch support 700 can be movednot only longitudinally, but also transversely or rotationally when slidalong the aperture. Other shapes of the protrusion 620 and aperture 720can provide different positioning of the arch support.

As also seen in FIG. 7 a, the aperture 720 includes an engagementfeature implemented as a tab 730 for engaging the recesses 640 in theposition fixing member 600. Thus, the engagement feature 730 ispreferably similarly shaped to facilitate mating with the recesses 640.In the embodiment of FIG. 7 a, the main body 710 also includes a reliefslot 740 positioned adjacent to the engagement feature 730. The reliefslot 740 allows the aperture 720 to expand its width in the region ofthe engagement member 720 such that the movable arch support 700 can beslid into different positions corresponding to the recesses 640 on theposition fixing member 600. That is, the wearer may slide the movablearch support 700 along the protrusion 620 into the different positionswithout completely removing the movable arch support from theprotrusion.

FIG. 8 a shows a movable arch support in relation to a position fixingmember in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, andFIG. 8 b shows a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 8 a. As seen inthese figures, the aperture 720 of the movable arch support is coupledto the protrusion 620 of the position fixing member. As best seen inFIG. 8 b, the aperture 720 is snapped over the flange 630 of theprotrusion 620. Further, the engagement tab 730 is positioned within thecenter recess 640 of the position fixing member to retain the movablearch support 700 in the neutral position as shown in FIG. 5 b. If thewearer wishes to move the movable arch support 700 to the rear positionshown in FIG. 5 a or the front position shown in FIG. 5 c, the userforces the movable arch support 710 to slide along the protrusion 620.During this motion, the engagement tab 730 retracts by compression ofthe slot 740, and then engages a different recess by expansion of theslot 740 to its normal width.

FIGS. 6-8 provide only one example of a footwear component (archsupport) that can be provided in moving relation to the insole of shoe.It is to be understood that any of the footwear components discussedherein, or other footwear components, can be provided in moving relationto the footwear insole or shoe. In addition, a movable footwearcomponent can be provided in combination with any of the aboveembodiments for providing a customized shoe in accordance with thepresent invention.

Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the presentinvention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is thereforeto be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, theinvention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically describedherein.

1. An adjustable arch support assembly, comprising: a position fixingmember configured to be fixed to a shoe insole, said position fixingmember having a plurality of retaining features positioned at differentlocations along the position fixing member; and a movable arch supportcomprising: a main body configured to support an arch region of a foot,and a coupling member provided on the main body and configured to couplethe main body to the position fixing member, the coupling member havingat least one engagement feature configured to engage different ones ofsaid retaining features such that the movable arch support is fixed indifferent positions relative to the position fixing member based on theretaining feature engaged by the engagement feature.
 2. The assembly ofclaim 1, wherein: said position fixing member comprises a baseconfigured to be fixed to the shoe insole and a protrusion extendingfrom the base, said protrusion having the plurality of retainingfeatures positioned along a length of the protrusion, and said couplingmember comprises a slot having a length greater than the length of theprotrusion such that the protrusion can be inserted into the slot andcan be at different positions along the slot.
 3. The assembly of claim2, wherein said plurality of retaining features each comprise a recesshaving a predetermined shape, and said at least one engagement featurecomprises a mating tab shaped to mate with said recess having apredetermined shape.
 4. The assembly of claim 3, wherein said protrusioncomprises a retaining flange configured to retain the movable archsupport movably coupled thereto.
 5. The assembly of claim 4, wherein themovable arch support further comprises a relief slot formed in the mainbody adjacent to the engagement feature and configured to permit theengagement feature to resiliently move into and out of engagement withthe plurality of recesses.
 6. The assembly of claim 1, wherein saidprotrusion and coupling feature are each curved along a length thereof.7. The assembly of claim 1, wherein said movable arch support comprisesthermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).
 8. An adjustable insole assemblycomprising: an insole have a first side configured to be in contact witha wearer's foot, and a second side having an arch support regionrecessed therein; a position fixing member fixed to the arch supportregion, said position fixing member having a plurality of retainingfeatures positioned at different locations along the position fixingmember; and a movable arch support comprising: a main body configured tosupport an arch region of a foot, and a coupling member provided on themain body and configured to couple the main body to the position fixingmember, the coupling member having at least one engagement featureconfigured to engage different ones of said retaining features such thatthe movable arch support is fixed in different positions relative to theposition fixing member based on the retaining feature engaged by theengagement feature.
 9. The assembly of claim 8, wherein: said positionfixing member comprises a base configured to be fixed to the shoe insoleand a protrusion extending from the base, said protrusion having theplurality of retaining features positioned along a length of theprotrusion, and said coupling member comprises a slot having a lengthgreater than the length of the protrusion such that the protrusion canbe inserted into the slot and can be at different positions along theslot.
 10. The assembly of claim 9, wherein said plurality of retainingfeatures each comprise a recess having a predetermined shape, and saidat least one engagement feature comprises a mating tab shaped to matewith said recess having a predetermined shape.
 11. The assembly of claim10, wherein said protrusion comprises a retaining flange configured toretain the movable arch support movably coupled thereto.
 12. Theassembly of claim 11, wherein the movable arch support further comprisesa relief slot formed in the main body adjacent to the engagement featureand configured to permit the engagement feature to resiliently move intoand out of engagement with the plurality of recesses.
 13. The assemblyof claim 8, wherein said protrusion and coupling feature are each curvedalong a length thereof.
 14. The assembly of claim 8, wherein saidmovable arch support extends substantially the entire width of theinsole.
 15. The assembly of claim 8, wherein said movable arch supportextends substantially less that the entire width of the insole.
 16. Theassembly of claim 8, wherein said position fixing member comprises arecess within the insole, and said coupling member comprises aprotrusion extending from said main body.
 17. The assembly of claim 8,wherein said movable arch support comprises thermoplastic polyurethane(TPU).
 18. The assembly of claim 8, further comprising a shoe cavityhaving an expandable sole assembly, wherein said insole assembly isconfigured to be inserted into said shoe cavity and provide an outwardforce for expanding said shoe cavity.
 19. The assembly of claim 8,wherein said movable arch support is provided as one of a plurality ofinterchangeable arch supports each having different physical attributes.20. An adjustable arch support assembly, comprising: a position fixingmember configured to be fixed to a shoe insole; a movable arch support;and means for coupling the movable arch support to the position fixingmember such that the movable arch support can be moved to discretepositions relative to the position fixing member.